Banjaar Tola

A Camping Trip decked up in Luxury awaits you at Banjaar Tola

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Part of the Taj Safaris properties, Banjaar Tola that borders the well-known Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, gives camping a luxurious twist.

Jungle book

Are you the Veronica Lodge kind who loves camping but only if you’re not sleeping on the hard ground? Well, then…this one is certainly for you! On the banks of the Banjaar River, that overlooks the thick forests that make up Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola stands. Amidst mud pathways, lined on each side with grass and gracefully bent trees, you’ll see the luxury getaway. Made of two camps, with nine suites apiece, each room sits on an elevated deck, to preserve the ground. In fact, the stilts touch the ground only at seven points. Most tents open out to face the river, and that only means beer {or non-alcohlic beverages if you prefer} on the deck, binoculars at the ready, trained to focus on the National Park just a few metres away.

A quick peek into the rooms and you’ll see spacious dwelling made with bamboo floors and walls. The handcrafted furniture and linens showcase the craftsmanship of local artisans – a tribute to the Bastar and Dogra arts from neighbouring Chattisgarh. Fitted with modern amenities, but with the airy, rustic feel of a jungle camp, this is a great confluence of styles.

Into the wild

There’s plenty on the outside as well. Open spaces where you can plonk yourself in comfortable chairs and spending the day in a lazy bliss, a restaurant and bar where you can tuck into a five-star meal, and a serene, blue pool where you lap about or lounge around with cocktails in hand. The package also includes two safaris per day, into Kanha, where you can spot langurs, leopards, hyenas, chinkaras, and deer. The sanctuary is also home to tigers and the endangered barasingha.

We hear Sonam Kapoor is a fan and took a break here last year with her gal pals and sister, Rhea. For testimonials, check out the duo’s Instagram feeds.